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The application drew more than 460 letters of objection, with fears about height, mass and ugliness, and even concerns regarding air quality for the elderly residents.

A protest was staged before the meeting and around 50 objectors looked on from the public gallery.

Cobham ward councillor Dorothy Mitchell spoke in favour of the development, saying many of the villagers support it.

It prompted an outburst from Cobham historian Dr David Taylor, who was looking on from the gallery.

“That’s not true. It’s rubbish,” he shouted.

“This woman does not speak for Cobham.”

Cllr Mitchell assured the chamber that she does speak for Cobham and continued.

Dorothy Mitchell (Cobham and Downside)

Another man then stood up at the back.

“On a point of order, you stopped all the other councillors from making speeches,” he said. “This woman has been making a speech for 20 minutes, not asking any questions. I think you should stop this meeting right now.”

Planning committee chairman Cllr Shweta Kapadia issued a warning to the men that they would be ejected if the shouting continued. There was further disruption, so Ray Lee, strategic director at the borough council, went up to the gallery and asked them to leave.

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After further deliberation the Holly Parade application was approved by a majority, reinforcing the decision by a planning sub-committee in December.

The planning officer revealed the applicant had agreed to pay the borough council £130,000 as an affordable housing contribution.

Mike Bennison, James Browne and Andrew Burley were among councillors to express doubts about the scheme during the meeting.

Holly Parade, Cobham High Street

Cllr Bennison said: “In essence the design, and I say that with tongue in cheek, will be a carbuncle on the street scene.

“Of course, the building is replacing a dreadful one but an opportunity should be taken to improve the street scene and not compound it, with an overbearing building that will look out of place in its surroundings.”

Dr Taylor, speaking on Thursday January 19, remained "extremely disappointed" about the decision.

He said: “It is clear that the proposed development is not only unsuitable in scale and mass for Cobham High Street but that it will be visible from within the Church Cobham Conservation Area.

“I was pleased by the responses from three local councillors but dismayed by Cllr Mitchell’s continual ‘lone furrow’ attitude towards this application.

“I do not believe that she truly represents the views of the people of Cobham.”

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Latest headlines, January 20

Sir Gerald Acher, chairman of the Cobham Con-servation and Heritage Trust, led the campaign against the development.

He said: “Of course I am bitterly disappointed by the result, but I would specifically like to thank our local councillors Mike Bennison, James Browne, Andrew Burley and James Vickers for their strong support on the night, and it is a sadness that their contribution counted for nothing.”

Martin Brown, development director for McCarthy & Stone South East, said: “Our proposal will secure the future of this important site on Cobham High Street.

“The scheme will deliver much-needed specialist accommodation for older people in a highly sustainable location, allowing the replacement of the existing outdated building with the construction of 24 retirement living apartments and the creation of five new High Street retail units which will breathe new life and vitality into the community.”